Hi Everyone,

First off, I'd like to thank you for viewing my page and showing your interest in supporting Temple Street Children's Hospital this year! For all of you who don't know me, my name is Shane Donnelly, I'm 21 years old, I live in Clontarf in the big Shmoke, I'm a 2nd year Arts student in UCD and if I do say so myself, I'm a truly terrible but persistent windsurfer. If you'll bear with me for a moment - about as long as it takes for the teapot to boil - I'll tell you a little bit about the 100minds initiative and why your support will be so beneficial to Temple Street!

100minds is a student run program working in tandem with Temple Street Children's hospital, where 100 students from across the country are chosen to come together with a simple goal; raise €1000 euro each for Temple Street, a total of €100,000 collectively between us all. This volunteer, non-profit organisation brings together some of the most stellar students in Ireland - which I'm delighted and honoured to be a part of this year - and challenges us to plan, organise and execute creative events and methods of fundraising. Every cent goes to the Hospital, where the funds raised are used to support the children in their care. This year, the money will be spent to build an entire new classroom for St. Gabriel's Ward. I'd like to tell you why such a classroom would have such a positive impact on the lives of these children.

St. Gabriel's Ward specialises in children patients who require round-the-clock care. These children are cut off from the two things a child so badly needs: education and structure. Building this classroom serves both these needs, providing a safe place where the children can learn and grow while having all their medical needs attended to as they recover from their surgeries. The particular needs of the child - varying from patient to patient - are accounted for by their teachers and doctors, something impossible to do outside a hospital built and run classroom. The beneficial impact this can have on the recovery of the child cannot be overstated and with your help, I'd love to see this classroom built!

For all those still reading, I can hear that teapot whistling in the background so I'll wrap up. For all those interested in staying updated on the events I plan on running, keep an eye on this space. Any donation you'd like to make can be done online, through the donate button above. I'd like to thank all of you in advance for your donation and support. Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of who knows how many children.

Thanks so much, Shane